A message from Geni Hulsey, president of the Church Bookstore Network:

Fellowship, koinonia, sharing. These are all words that come to mind as I think back on this last week, having been at CBA's International Christian Retail Show in Denver.

There were workshops in which we learned better ways to do what we do, worship times to refresh our spirits, and opportunities to see and hear about all of the products that are available to us as retailers. And it was all wrapped in fellowship.

While at the International Christian Retail Show, I was able to attend two workshops specifically geared to church bookstores, and pass along some of what I learned there:

Volunteers-You Love Having Them, But They Drive You Nuts!

Beverly Miller, a CBA retail consultant, explored the positives and negatives of using volunteers, talking about the budget savings that come with using volunteers instead of paid workers-and yet recognizing the lack of dependability of the volunteer force at times.

We started the meeting hosted by Debbie McAllen of Covenanters Corner Bookstore at Independent Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tenn., with lunch and prayer while we talked and caught up with one another and the happenings in our stores. It was fun to sit and fellowship with people you love to be around, and with whom you share the same passions and ministry.

After lunch, we heard from two local vendors: Delta Jewels, which makes necklaces, earrings and other jewelry items to sell that support the ministry to young women; and Sassy Ts, quality shirts with beautiful designs that appeal to a broad category of buyers.

Next, we began a discussion about the Christian bookstore industry in these difficult times and how we must help maintain our bookstores as viable and self-supporting ministries in our churches.

Monday, Aug. 10, at Harvest Bookstore at Eastview Christian Church in Normal, Ill. (within three hours of St. Louis, Chicago and Indianapolis). Topics and vendors TBD.

Contact Regional Director Susan Chipman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

TEXAS

Thursday, Aug. 20, at Gateway Church's Southlake Campus in Southlake, Texas, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Topics and vendors to be confirmed. Will include discussion and training for church coffee bar managers and staff.

Contact Regional Director Bobby Williams at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

However, many retailers are quickly realizing that an annual inventory is not sufficient to maintain accurate P.O.S. information. Just think of the processes and opportunities during which inventory counts could go askew: receiving, shelving, labeling, customer handling and misplacement, employee borrowing and theft.

Keep an eye out for merchandising and display items as you shop in other stores and browse magazines. Manager Rachel Savage came across this creative way of displaying T-shirts while reading a magazine. She has put it to good use at The Chapel Store at Calvary Chapel of Melbourne in West Melbourne, Fla.

The important thing is to not embarrass the customer. Try running the card a second time. If it is still declined, ask the customers very sweetly if there is another card you could try. Hopefully, they will take the hint and have another card.

Share your experiences and ideas with others at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

"Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance" (Prov. 1:5, NIV).